In a massive breakthrough for law enforcement, the Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested Mahfooz, alias Bobby Kabootar, a key associate of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Kabootar, who has been on the run for nearly seven years, was apprehended on February 18, 2026, near the Delhi-Gurugram border. This arrest is being hailed as a major victory in the ongoing investigation into the high-profile firing incident at Bollywood actress Disha Patani’s ancestral home in Bareilly.
Who is Bobby Kabootar? The Man Behind the Weapons
Mahfooz Ali, better known in the underworld as Bobby Kabootar, is a 45-year-old veteran of the crime world. Originally known for rearing pigeons on his terrace in Northeast Delhi (hence the name "Kabootar"), he eventually rose through the ranks to become a trusted weapon supplier and logistics expert for the Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar syndicates.
His role in the Disha Patani firing case was critical. Investigations reveal that Kabootar was the one who provided the foreign-made semi-automatic pistols used by the shooters to terrorize the Patani family in September 2025.
Timeline of Events: From the Bareilly Firing to the Arrest
To understand the weight of this arrest, we must look at the sequence of events that shook the nation:
- September 11, 2025: Two minor shooters, recruited via social media, fired shots in the air outside Disha Patani’s home in Bareilly. The gang was reportedly "unhappy" with the low intensity of this attack.
- September 12, 2025: A second, more aggressive attack took place. Shooters Ravindra and Arunfired 10–12 rounds directly at the house. Disha’s father, Jagdish Patani (a retired DSP), narrowly escaped a bullet by hiding behind a pillar.
- September 17, 2025: In a fierce encounter in Ghaziabad, the UP STF and Delhi Police killed the two main shooters, Ravindra and Arun.
- January 2026: Police intensified the search for the "logistics mastermind" who provided the sophisticated weapons used in the attack.
- February 18, 2026: Acting on a tip-off, the Counter Intelligence Unit of the Delhi Police laid a trap in Mahipalpur. Bobby Kabootar was caught while traveling in an SUV with a woman and two associates.
The Lawrence Bishnoi Link: More Than Just a Firing Case
Bobby Kabootar’s arrest has opened a Pandora’s box of criminal connections. During preliminary questioning, it was revealed that his involvement goes far beyond the attack on Disha Patani:
- Sidhu Moosewala Murder: Kabootar is suspected of conducting a detailed recce of the late Punjabi singer’s movements in Mansa before his assassination in 2022.
- Nadeem Brothers Murder: He is allegedly responsible for the Jaffrabad double murder, where 48 rounds were fired at two brothers.
- National Security: He was wanted by the NIA and under the MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act) for multiple counts of smuggling illegal firearms from across the border.
Why was Disha Patani Targeted?
The initial motive cited by the Goldy Brar gang in 2025 was a social media post. The gang claimed the firing was a "warning" following alleged remarks made by the Patani family regarding religious figures. However, police believe the primary motive was extortion and terror-building, using high-profile celebrities to establish dominance in the Uttar Pradesh region.
Disha Patani Firing Case Data: Feb 18, 2026 Snapshot
As of 5:52 PM IST today, February 18, 2026, the main focus remains Bobby Kabootar's arrest from yesterday. Police keep grilling him on gun supplies and gang orders tied to the Bareilly attack.
Interrogation Highlights Today
Delhi Special Cell digs deeper into Bobby's role. They ask about who funded the foreign pistols used by the shooters. Links to Lawrence Bishnoi's overseas aides like Goldy Brar come up often. No big reveals shared publicly yet.
UP and Punjab cops line up for their turn. They want details on Sidhu Moosewala's recce and past threats. Bobby's been quiet so far, but pressure builds with joint teams watching.
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